October 2016 Flotilla 091-22-04 Our Quarterly Newsletter FORT WAYNE, IN - The Guiding Light is, hopefully, an informative history of the recent activities of Flotilla 091-22-04. It is published quarterly. Our flotilla, currently with twenty-five (25) members, is Land Locked in Northeastern Indiana, with an Area Of Responsibility (AOR) around the Fort Wayne, Indiana area. Outrigger Canoes HONOLULU, HI During a recent trip to Hawaii, three of our members learned how ancient Polynesian natives traveled around various islands from New Zealand to Easter Island to Hawaii Islands by use of the catamaran or outrigger canoe. Did you know that today, the outrigger is excluded from any federal life jacket or PFD requirement? Our flotilla is one of five flotillas assigned to the South Central Division, which is also Land Locked, of the Ninth Central (9CR) Coast Guard District. Being land locked provides many challenges for our members to maintain the required hours for various activities, i.e. Boat Crew. Our members are required to travel distances to be able to get on the water time to locations like Toledo, Detroit, Bay City or Charlevoix. These trips are done at the member s expense, including some overnight stays at motels. Even with these challenges, this newsletter contains some of our activities for the past months. 1 HONOLULU, HI An outrigger team demonstrates their skills as they propel their outrigger canoe through the water.
Tall Ships Return to Bay City BAY CITY, MI On the morning of 14 July, four members of our flotilla joined several other boat crew and coxswains to make up an Auxiliary security force to provide protection for several Tall Ships as they arrived in Bay City. The force of several vessels from the US Coast Guard, Sheriff Patrol, and US Coast Guard Auxiliary met and escorted the regatta of Tall Ship in Saginaw Bay off of Lake Huron. BAY CITY, MI Diane Campbell, Rob Kerr and Deb Kerr, prepare to board prior to Tall Ship escort duties. BAY CITY, MI A Tall Ship enters Bay City via the Saginaw River as part of the 2016 Tall Ship Challenge. Our team of vessels faced 3 to 4 foot waves as the winds were at 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph. Each ship was escorted up river, into calm waters, through several draw bridges to downtown Bay City. BAY CITY, MI Auxiliarist patrolling alongside a Tall Ship. Fort Wayne member, Nick Minnich is standing at stern of the 26 boat. Patrols were continued throughout the weekend while the ships were opened for tours to the public. Of course, our four members had to make their obligatory visit to Lucky s Steak House for an evening meal and fellowship. Yummy! 2
Vessel Safety Checks go On-The-Road SELFRIDGE ANGB, MI Three of our members took their Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) act on the road to Selfridge Air National Guard Base on July 15. The ramp, located just outside of the North Gate of the base, constructed by ANG, can launch/recover up to twelve vessels at one time and has ample parking for vehicles with trailers. In addition, the facility offers access for shore fishing onto Lake ST. Clair. Our three members were able to complete eleven (11) Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) while there. FORT WAYNE, IN Fort Wayne flotilla members pose next to Thunderbirds Lead Solo aircraft, Thunderbird Five. The aircraft number is upside down to reflect the normal position that Solo Five typically flies inverted. After the booth was setup on Friday afternoon, storms came in to the area forcing the need to have the Thunderbird aircraft to be parked inside. All of the booths were moved to accommodate the aircraft. LAKE WAWASEE, IN Diane Campbell and Rob Kerr combine efforts to complete a Vessel Safety Check at ramp off of Lake Wawasee. Fort Wayne Air Show Upon our arrival on Saturday morning, we were face to face with five Red, White and Blue Thunderbird F-16s. Once the aircraft were moved, we were allowed to setup our booth again. Sunday s perfect weather allowed for many more guest to attend. Although we did not have the crowd forced inside due to weather, the larger crowd again allowed for plenty of opportunities to share our message. FORT WAYNE, IN Seven flotilla members provided support to our Public Affairs booth at the 2016 Fort Wayne Air Show on September 10 & 11, featuring the Air Force Thunderbirds. Saturday s performance, before a small crowd, was delayed on a couple of occasions due to rain. At times, the crowd was forced inside of the hanger where our booth was set up, which provided many opportunities to communicate with the public. 3
Flotilla FALL PICNIC FREMONT, IN Eleven flotilla members and three of their guests met at the residence of Charlie & Mary Myers, located on Lake Jimmerson, near Fremont, IN, for the flotilla s annual Fall Picnic. CUB SCOUT Presentation LEO, IN Four flotilla members provided a short presentation to seven dens of Cub Scouts at their pack meeting on September 26 th. The emphasis was on environmental awareness and invasive species. FREMONT, IN Flotilla members gather for annual Fall Picnic. Charlie & Mary Myers hosted the occasion. Members brought a side dish to share while the entrée was prepared by our hosts. There was plenty of food for twice that many. LEO, IN Flotilla members present Marine Safety information to Cub Scouts. Approximately 80 Cub Scouts and leaders were present for their Pack meeting. Many scouts received awards for various activities. The meeting included our presentation with Sammy the Sea Otter and Inky the Whale videos as well as games. FREMONT, IN Flotilla members and guest enjoy a ride on our hosts pontoon boat. After the meal and some fellowship, the flotilla held a short business meeting followed by more fellowship and a boat ride on Lake Jimmerson and Lake James. LEO, IN Den leaders join in on the fun by competing in a guessing game as to how long submerged items take to decompose. 4
Awards Sustained Service Award Diane Campbell (6 th award) Deb Kerr (6 th award) Auxiliary Annual Service Performance Education Deb Kerr (2 nd award) Rob Kerr (2 nd award) Rob Kerr (5 th award) Auxiliary Annual Service Performance VE/MDV Auxiliary Commandant Letter of Commendation Deb Kerr (4 th award) Deb Kerr (2 nd award) Tom Culler (25 years) Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation Diane Campbell (2 nd award) Deb Kerr (2 nd award) James Culler (25 years) Jon Sober (10 years) Rob Kerr (2 nd award) Nick Minnich (2 nd Award) Examiner/Program Visitor Ribbon David Cook (VE and PV) Operations Program Ribbon Nick Minnich 5
Welcome Aboard Our Flotilla Logo Upcoming Events Nov 5 Dec 11 Veterans Day Parade, Fort Wayne, IN Division Change Of Watch, Hudson, MI FORT WAYNE, IN Adam Mauricio joins us from Fort Wayne. He is a property manager and realtor. USA US Postal Service has issued new stamps recognizing the Coast Guard. The Guiding Light is the official publication of Flotilla 22-4, 9CR, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. It is written, edited, and distributed quarterly by the members. It is published at no cost to the US Coast Guard or the Government. Rob & Deb Kerr are the Co-Editors. Confidentiality Notice: PRIVACY ACT OF 1974: The disclosure of the personal information contained in this publication is subject to the provisions contained in the Privacy Act of 1974. The subject Act, with certain exceptions, prohibits the disclosure, distribution, dissemination or copying of any material containing the home address, home telephone number, spouse s names, and social security numbers, except for official business. Violations may result in disciplinary action by the Coast Guard and/or civilian criminal sanctions. 6